Brandstand Group announced that Philip Friedman, former CEO and president of the McAlister Corporation (McAlister’s Deli), has been named vice chairman of the Board of Directors at Brandstand Group, a premier restaurant brand marketing and communication firm.
“We’re very fortunate and excited to welcome Phil Friedman to the Brandstand Group,” says president and CEO Chris Petersen. “His operational expertise, wealth of experience in developing new and creative concepts for the restaurant industry, and track record in guiding growing companies is unparalleled.”
In his new role, Friedman will bring to the table 30 years of foodservice experience to assist Brandstand Group’s restaurant industry clientele with their brand positioning strategy, executive management coaching, and organizational development.
“In transitioning from McAlister, I decided to partially refocus my energies into consulting with dynamic, young, growing companies,” Friedman says. “Due to my relationships with other industry clients, and meeting Chris Petersen, I’ve found that Brandstand Group is just such a company. I look forward to working with Brandstand to offer the restaurant industry brand and organizational development, CEO mentoring, and restaurant operations consulting services, while assisting in Brandstand’s growth.”
While leading the McAlister Corporation, Friedman spearheaded the growth of its chain of McAlister’s Delis in 22 states, growing the company from 27 units to 300, with 2009 revenue of $343 Million. During his tenure, McAlister’s received the 2005 “NASBIC Portfolio of the Year” award, 2006 “Nation’s Restaurant News Franchise Excellence Award,” 2008 “Top 10 Restaurants with under 300 Units” by QSR magazine, and 2009 “Best Restaurant for Families” by Parents Magazine.
Prior to McAlister, Friedman served as chairman of Rosti Restaurants; president of Panda Management Company Inc.; vice president of restaurant development for Marriott Corporation; vice president of planning for Chi Chi’s Inc.; chief operating officer for Sutton Place Gourmet Markets; and director of financial planning for Pizza Hut.
Friedman serves on the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association and is a member of the Culinary Institute of America’s Society of Fellows.
